Short Description
The W. Eugene Smith Grant for Student Photographers is designed to encourage and support students whose photographic work renews the tradition of W. Eugene Smith’s dedicated compassion as evidenced during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist. Special consideration will be given to work that promotes social change, that embraces new technologies and image distribution, and that seeks to integrate the tradition of photography and social change with contemporary practice. The judges will be looking for a photographer and project that seem most likely to use exemplary and compelling photojournalism and documentary photography (possibly supplemented by or incorporating multi-media) to address an issue of import and impact related to the human condition: social change, humanitarian concern, armed conflict, or other topics of interpersonal, psychological, cultural, social, environmental, scientific, medical and/or political significance, ideally expressing an underlying acknowledgement of our common humanity.
Eligibility
The W. Eugene Smith Grant for Student Photographers is designed to encourage and support students whose photographic work renews the tradition of W. Eugene Smith’s dedicated compassion as evidenced during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist.
Submission Requirements
A biography up to 1500 characters (spaces included). A CV, up to 2000 characters (spaces included), is optional, and can instead be submitted as a PDF of unlimited length. A JPG of a current Student ID must be submitted, as the 40th image uploaded.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
For 2025, the amount of the W. Eugene Smith Student Grant is $5,000. The grant provides two students with the opportunity to complete a photographic essay.
In the event the applicant is the recipient of the Student Grant, the applicant understands and agrees that $4,500 of the total Grant of $5,000 will be paid upon receipt of the Grant, and $500 will be paid upon receipt of twelve (12) digital images within eighteen (18) months after receipt of the Grant. The recipient must also submit a final report detailing how the grant was used and how the money contributed to the success of the project.
Entry Fee
$10 USD.
Location
New York City, USA.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 23 September 2025
Website Link: https://www.smithfund.org/the-w-eugene-smith-grant-for-student-photographers
